Famous Tamil poet-lyricist Vaali breathes his last at 81

The famous Tamil poet and lyricist Vaali, who has been a celebrated name in the Tamil film industry for over half a century, is no more. He died today evening around 5pm in a Chennai hospital where he was undergoing treatment for serious respiratory issues. He was 81. He was honoured with a Padma Shri in 2007 and refused a National Award for the song ‘Indhia naadu enn veed’ which was a part of the film "Bharatha vilas-1973"

He was suffering from serious health complications since last two months and his condition deteriorated on Wednesday and he was put on ventilation. His name is behind more than 10,000 Tamil songs which will commemorate him forever. Born to Srirangam and Ponnammal as T. S. Rangarajan, he has scripted lyrics for generations, covering names like veteran MG Ramachandran (MGR), Kamal Haasan to present day stars like Dhanush. He has also worked with some of the most eminent composers in the Tamil film fraternity like M.S. Viswanthan and A.R. Rahman. He has also acted in films like Poikal Kuthirai, Kamal Haasan's Hey Ram and a few more. Recently he penned two numbers for Dhanush’s Maryaan, which is scheduled to release tomorrow.

According to Chennai-based political commentator and columnist Sudhangan, a friend of the lyricist, to recall Vaali’s early life when he decided to give up his dreams to make it big down South, "Playback singer PB Srinivas - who passed away recently - happened to see Vaali packing up and decided to sing him the song Mayakama Kalakama from the 1962 movie 'Sumai Thangi'. It was written by Kannadasan. It apparently inspired Vaali so much that he decided to stay back in Chennai.” Some of the songs which will always remind us of the departed legend are Mukkabla (Kadhalan), Maya Machindra (Indian), Ennai Vilai Azhagae (Kadhalar Dhinam), Ale Ale (Boys) Oru Maalai (Ghajini), to name quite a few. He also authored several books including his autobiography, Naanum Indha Nootrandum. May Vaali’s soul rest in peace.